Snap-lock vision frame assembly

ABSTRACT

A vision frame assembly for use in fire-rated structures such as doors andalls. The frame assembly includes a pair of opposed frame members that snap-fit into a plurality of resilient latching clips mounted in the door or wall. The latching clips include mounting members to mount the clip to the door or wall and spring finger elements having differing lengths. The unique configuration of the spring finger elements makes the frame assembly adaptable to wide tolerance variations from different manufactures of doors, walls, and other fire-rated structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to mounting frames for holding glazings such aswindows in structures, and more particularly to the snap lock visionframe assemblies in fire-rated structures such as doors and walls.

2. Description of the Related Art

The installation of vision frame assemblies in doors, especially of thefire-rated variety, has often been a difficult and time-consumingprocess. Prior art frame assemblies are often constructed of severalparts that must be separately manufactured and inventoried. FIG. 1illustrates a portion of such an assembly 10 installed in a cutout 12 ofa wooden fire-rated door 14. The frame assembly 10 includes a frontframe member 16 connected to a rear frame member 18 by a series ofscrews 20 arranged around the perimeter of the frame assembly 10. Eachframe member 16, 18 includes an outer flange 22 connected to an innerflange 24 by a captive edge 26. The outer flange 22 has a firstvertically oriented panel 28 that abuts a vertical surface 30 of thedoor 14 adjacent the cutout 12 and a second panel 32 that extendsobliquely from the first panel 28 to the captive edge 26. The outerflange 22 of the rear frame member also includes apertures 31 forreceiving the screws 20. The inner flange 24 of each frame member has afirst vertically oriented panel 34 that extends from the captive edge 26to a step portion 36. The step portion 36 extends generally horizontallyto a vertically-oriented mounting lip 38. Each mounting lip 38 has anaperture for receiving the screw 20. When assembled, the panels 34 faceeach other to create a pocket 40 that receives a peripheral edge portionof a window pane or glazing 42 and glazing tape 44 located on oppositesizes of the glazing 42.

During installation, the front frame member 16 must be manually held inplace while a layer of glazing tape 44, the glazing 42, another layer ofglazing tape 44, and the rear frame member 18 are installed.Accordingly, installation can be quite awkward and can require much timeand skill. Moreover, the finished product is neither entirelyaesthetically pleasing nor secure, since the screw heads are exposed onthe rear frame member. In addition, the front and rear frame members arenot identical and therefore require a separate manufacturing operations.Separate inventories must be kept for each of the frame members, screws,and different thicknesses of tapes due to tolerance variations in thedoor and glazing thicknesses.

For hollow fire-rated doors 46 as shown in FIG. 2, the same frameassembly 10 can be used with the addition of reinforcing clips 48installed at various locations around a cutout 50 in the door 46 tostrengthen the door cutout. As seen in FIG. 3, the reinforcing clip 48has a plate portion 52 with mounting lips 54, 56 extending from oppositeends of the plate portion, and an intermediate lip 57 extending betweenthe opposite ends and generally transverse to the mounting lips 54, 56.When installed, the reinforcing clips 48 hold a front metallic skin 58and a rear metallic skin 60 against a hollow core material 62. Inaddition to the disadvantages described with respect to wooden doors,the reinforcing clips require additional manufacturing, inventory, andincreased installation time.

Another prior art clip 64 for mounting in hollow door cutouts isillustrated in FIG. 4. The clip 64 has a plate portion 66 with mountinglips 68, 70 extending from opposite ends of the plate portion. A firsttab 72 is mounted adjacent the lip 70 and a second tab 74 is mountedadjacent the lip 68. The tabs 72, 74 extend generally transverse to thelips 68 and are formed at diagonally opposite corners of the plateportion 66. A first spring finger 76 has a first end adjacent the lip 70and a second free end that projects toward the lip 68. Likewise, asecond spring finger 78 has a first end adjacent the lip 68 and a secondfree end that projects toward the lip 70. Each spring finger 76, 78 hasa stepped portion 80 that together form a channel for receiving theperipheral edge portion of a window pane and frame members. Althoughthis prior art clip possesses some advantages over other prior artarrangements, it is not, inter alia, adaptable to tolerance variationsin the door, window pane, and glazing tape thicknesses, as well asvariations in glazing space between the frames. Moreover, the clip 64 isnot universal for both solid and hollow doors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vision frameassembly, which, among other things, is low in cost, has relatively fewparts, is relatively easy and quick to install, is universal for bothsolid and hollow fire-doors and other structures, is adaptable to widetolerance variations from different manufactures of doors, glazings, andglazing tapes, as well as variations in glazing space between theframes, and is aesthetically pleasing.

According to the invention, a snap-lock vision frame assembly with agenerally closed perimeter comprises a pair of frame members and aresilient latching clip component or mounting bracket. The resilientlatching clip component includes a pair of mounting members disposed onopposed edges of a plate portion. The plate portion has a mid-regiongenerally intermediate the opposed edges. At least two generally spacedapart opposed sets of elongated spring finger elements dependrespectively from generally adjacent the opposed edges and projectangularly towards the mid-region. Preferably, each of the elongatedspring finger elements is generally resiliently mounted to the plateportion by one end and terminates in a free end remote from the one end.Each set of elongated spring finger elements includes at least twoelongated spring finger elements of differing lengths. The free ends ofthe elongated spring finger elements in the respective opposed sets ofelongated spring finger elements are spaced apart in the mid-region todefine therebetween a flange receiving channel such that the free endsdefine respective sides of the flange receiving channel.

Each of the first and second frame members has an outer flange and aninner flange. The outer flange extends between an outer free edge and acaptive edge such that the captive edge is shared with the inner flange.The inner flange extends between the captive edge and an inner free edgeand includes a step intermediate the captive and inner free edges. Thestep extends generally away from the outer free edge and the inner andouter free edges are spaced apart by a fixed distance. Preferably, thefixed distance is approximately equal to the distance between an opposededge and the closest side of the flange receiving channel of themounting bracket. The flange receiving channel is wide enough to receivea margin of each of the inner flanges adjacent the inner free edges. Atleast one of the free ends from each of the sets of elongated springfingers are adapted to bear against the margin of an adjacent innerflange.

Preferably, the resilient latching clip component is unitary and each ofthe first and second frame members are unitary. The mounting membersinclude a leg spaced apart from a barb to define therebetween a doorskin receiving channel. The leg and barb depend from the door skinreceiving channel distal from the flange receiving channel. Thegenerally spaced apart opposed sets of elongate spring finger elementscomprise at least two, and preferably four sets of elongated springfinger elements. The opposed sets of spring finger elements aregenerally symmetrical around the flange receiving channel and an axisthat is generally perpendicular to the direction of the flange receivingchannel.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a snap lock visionframe assembly includes a door having a cutout therein with a closedperiphery. The assembly comprises a plurality of resilient latching clipcomponents arrayed around the cutout and first and second frame membersmounted in the cutout in engagement with the latching clips. Each of theresilient latching clip components includes a pair of mounting membersthat are disposed on opposed edges of a plate portion and are engagedwith an edge of the cutout. The plate portion has a mid-region generallyintermediate the opposed edges. At least two generally spaced apartopposed sets of elongated spring finger elements depend respectivelyfrom generally adjacent the opposed edges and project angularly towardsthe mid-region. Each of the elongated spring finger elements isgenerally resiliently mounted to the plate portion by one end andterminated in a free end remote from the one end. Each of the sets ofelongated spring finger elements includes at least two elongated springfinger elements of differing lengths to accommodate the need for flangereceiving channels of different widths. The free ends of the elongatedspring finger elements in the respective opposed sets of elongatedspring finger elements is preferably spaced apart in the mid-region todefine therebetween a flange receiving channel, with the free endsdefining respective sides of the flange receiving channel.

The first and second frame members are engaged with the resilientlatching clip components in the cutout. Each of the frame members has anouter flange and an inner flange, with the outer flange extendingbetween an outer free edge and a captive edge and the captive edge beingshared with the inner flange. The inner flange extends between thecaptive edge and an inner free edge and includes a step intermediate thecaptive and inner free edges. The step extends generally away from theouter free edge. The steps in the first and second frame members definebetween them the width of a glazing receiving pocket with the inner andouter free edges generally being spaced apart by a fixed distance. Thefixed distance is approximately equal to the distance between an opposededge and the closest side of the flange receiving channel. A margin ofeach inner flange adjacent the inner free edges is generally received inthe flange receiving channel of each resilient latching clip component.At least one of the free ends from each set of elongated spring fingersgenerally bears against the margin of an adjacent inner flange to holdthe first and second frame members in the cutout.

According to an event further embodiment of the invention, a snap lockvision frame assembly has a generally closed perimeter and comprisesfirst and second frame members and a resilient latching clip componentfor mounting the frame members to the cutout of a door.

The first frame member has a first external face and a first glazingface, with the first external face extending generally between a firstouter edge of the first external face and a first edge of the firstglazing face. The first glazing face includes a first panel extendingbetween the first edge and a first step, with the first step extendingaway from the first outer edge. A first flange depends from the firststep and the first flange terminates in a first spring finger engagingmargin.

The second frame member has a second external face and a second glazingface, with the second external face extending generally between a secondouter edge of the second external face and a second edge of the secondglazing face. The second glazing face includes a second panel extendingbetween the second edge and a second step, with the second stepextending away from the second outer edge. A second flange depends fromthe second step and the second flange terminates in a second springfinger engaging margin. The first and second frame members are adaptedto be mounted with the first and second flanges in opposing relationshipand with the first and second panels spaced apart and definingtherebetween a glaze receiving nest.

The resilient latching clip component includes a pair of mountingmembers disposed generally on opposed edges of a plate portion. Theplate portion has a mid-region intermediate the opposed edges. Thespring finger elements in a first set of elongated spring fingerelements are resiliently cantilevered from the plate portion generallyadjacent a first of the opposed edges and extend towards the mid-regionat an acute angle. The spring finger elements in a second set ofelongated spring finger elements are resiliently cantilevered from theplate portion adjacent a second of the opposed edges and extend towardsthe mid-region at an acute angle. Each of the sets of elongated springfinger elements preferably includes at least two elongated spring fingerelements of differing lengths so as to provide a series of channels ofdifferent widths. Each of the elongated spring finger elements has afree end that is adjacent the mid-region and spaced from the plateportion by a predetermined distance. The free ends of the elongatedspring finger elements in the respective first and second sets ofelongated spring finger elements define therebetween a series ofcoincident channels that are of slightly different widths. The first andsecond spring finger engaging edges are adapted for reception in thechannel with at least one of the elongated spring finger elements ineach of the sets of elongated spring finger elements bearing on anadjacent face of one of the first and second flanges.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides its benefits across a broad spectrumcommerce. While the description which follows hereafter is meant to berepresentative of a number of such applications, it is not exhaustive.As those skilled in the art will recognize, the basic apparatus taughtherein can be readily adapted to many uses. It is the applicant'sintention that this specification and the claims appended hereto beaccorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the inventionbeing disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting languageimposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examplesdisclosed.

Referring to the drawings for the purposes of illustration only and notlimitation:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a prior art visionframe assembly;

FIG. 2 is an orthographic view of a prior art clip arrangement installedin a cutout of a hollow fire-rated door;

FIG. 3 is an orthographic view of the prior art clip arrangement of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is an orthographic view of a prior art clip installed in a cutoutof a hollow fire-rated door;

FIG. 5 is an orthographic cross sectional view of a portion of aself-locking vision frame assembly according to the invention installedin a wooden door;

FIG. 6 is an elevated cross sectional view of the vision frame assemblyaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the visionframe assembly of FIG. 6 and showing glazing tape installed;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a stamped retention clip blank according tothe invention prior to bending;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the retention clip after bending;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the bent retention clip; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the visionframe assembly during installation in a cutout of a hollow fire-rateddoor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 5-7 in particular, asnap-lock vision frame assembly 100 according to the invention is showninstalled in a cutout 102 of a wooden or solid fire-rated door 104. Theframe assembly 100 includes a front frame member 106 connected to a rearframe member 108 by mounting brackets 110 arranged at spaced locationsaround the perimeter of the cutout 102. The frame members 106, 108 areidentical in configuration and each includes an outer flange 112connected to an inner flange 114 by a captive edge 116. The outer flange112 has a first generally normally vertically oriented panel 118 that isadapted to abut a forward normally vertical surface 120 or a rearwardnormally vertical surface 123 of the door 104 adjacent a forward cutoutedge 119 or a rearward cutout edge 121, and a second panel 122 thatextends obliquely from the first panel 118 to the captive edge 116. Aswill be understood by those skilled in the art, the outer frame can bemultifaceted, as shown, or arcuate, as desired. The inner flange 114 ofeach frame member 106, 108 has a first generally normally verticallyoriented panel 124 that extends from the captive edge 116 to a stepportion 126. The step portion 126 extends generally normallyhorizontally to a generally normally vertically oriented mounting lip ormargin 128 at an inner free edge 129 of the inner flange 114. Whenassembled, the panels 124 of each frame member 106 face each other andthe step portions 126 are generally in normally horizontal alignment tocreate a pocket or nest 130 that receives a peripheral edge portion of awindow pane or glazing 132 and glazing tape 134 (FIG. 7) or othersealing means located on opposite sizes of the glazing 132. While doorsand windows are normally mounted vertically, other orientations arepossible. As used herein, "vertically" and "horizontally" are used toindicate relative, not absolute, orientation.

As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, the mounting bracket 110 is preferablystamped from a single flat sheet of metal as shown in FIG. 8, and thenbent to the configuration shown most clearly in FIGS. 9 and 10.Preferably, the mounting bracket 110 is manufactured, for example, from25 gauge spring steel material, which is stamped and bent into thedesired shape, and then heat treated to a hardness of about Rockwell40-44 (Rc 40-44). However, other materials, thicknesses, and hardnessesmay be used, depending on the desired final mechanical properties of thebracket. The mounting bracket 110 is bent along dashed lines 142, 144(FIG. 8) to form a pair of mounting legs 146, 148 respectively, thatdepend from opposite ends of a middle plate portion 150. A firstgenerally triangular-shaped end barb 152 is formed adjacent the leg 146.Likewise, a second generally triangular-shaped end barb 154 is formedadjacent the leg 148. Preferably, the barbs 152 and 154 are locatedalong a common center line 156. However, the barbs may be positioned atdifferent locations adjacent their respective legs as long as apredetermined fixed distance is maintained between each leg and itsassociated barb. Although only one barb is shown adjacent each leg 146,148, more barbs can be formed adjacent the legs if desired. The barbs152, 154 extend generally parallel to their associated legs to form doorskin receiving channels 158, 160, respectively. Three generallytriangular-shaped middle barbs 162 extend downwardly from the plateportion 150 and generally parallel to the center line 156. Althoughthree middle barbs are shown, it is to be understood that more or lessmiddle barbs can be formed along the plate portion 150, if desired. Thepurpose of the barbs 152, 154 and 162 will be described in greaterdetail below.

Four spring finger sets 164, 166, 168 and 170 are formed in the plateportion 150. Each spring finger set includes a short length springfinger 172, an intermediate length spring finger 174, and a long lengthspring finger 176. Preferably, the fingers extend generally parallel tothe centerline 156 and are of substantially the same width. Each finger172, 174 and 176 of each set 164, 166, 168 and 170 is bent upward at anacute angle A with respect to a mid-region 178 of the plate portion 150.Each finger 172, 174 and 176 is preferably terminated with a hook 180that is adapted to contact one of the margins 128 (FIG. 5) of aninstalled frame member 106, 108. The purpose of the hook, inter alia, isto provide a smooth surface which slides easily over edge 129. Formationof the hooks can be accomplished during bending to thereby eliminate aseparate deburring operation to smooth the free end edges of eachfinger. Preferably, the first spring finger set 164 is symmetrical tothe second spring finger set 166 about the centerline 156. Likewise, thefirst and second spring finger sets 164 and 166 are symmetrical to thethird and fourth spring finger sets 168 and 170, respectively, about alateral centerline 182 that is transverse to the centerline 156. In thismanner, a relatively wide channel 184 is formed between opposing ends ofthe short fingers 172, an intermediate width channel 186 is formedbetween opposing ends of the intermediate fingers 174, and a relativelynarrow channel 188 is formed between opposing ends of the long fingers176. The channels are adapted to receive opposing margins 128 of theframe members 106, 108 when installed in the cutout 102 of the door.Depending on the amount of tolerance compensation required, each set maycontain more or less spring fingers of varying lengths.

For installation of the frame assembly 100 on a solid wood door,mounting brackets 110 are mounted in the cutout 102 such that themounting legs 146, 148 abut the vertical sides 120, 123 of the door 104adjacent the cutout edges 119, 121. Since the legs 146, 148 and thespring finger sets of the mounting bracket 110 are symmetrical about thelateral centerline 182, the mounting bracket can be installed witheither mounting leg 146, 148 adjacent either vertical side 120, 123 ofthe door 104. Once one of the mounting brackets is positioned in thecutout, the barbs 152, 154 and 162 are pressed into the wood by applyinga force to an upper surface 194 of the plate portion 150 opposite thebarbs until a lower surface 196 of the plate portion 150 rests on aninner surface 190 of the cutout. With this arrangement, the barbs serveas gripping means for firmly holding the bracket 110 in the cutout 102.Depending on the size of the cutout 102, it is contemplated that 8 to 14or more brackets 110 will be installed, preferably two at each insidecorner of the cutout and more in the middle portion between the corners,depending on the length of each side of the cutout. Although eightbrackets are the preferred minimum, it is to be understood that a fewernumber of brackets can be used.

Once the brackets 110 are installed, one of the frame members 106 or 108is inserted into the cutout 102 and pressed against the fingers 172,174, 176 of the finger sets 164 and 166 or of the finger sets 168 and170 until the frame member is in its final mounted position with theouter flange 112 abutting one of the vertical surfaces 120, 123 of thedoor 104. As the frame member is inserted, the inner free edge 129 ofthe inner flange 114 (See FIG. 5) will contact and press against thefingers, forcing them to rotate in a direction that causes the angle Abetween the fingers and the upper surface 194 to decrease, as shown indashed line in FIG. 11. As the inner free edge 129 clears one or more ofthe fingers, each cleared finger will spring back to its original bentposition and rest against an outer surface 198 of the margin 128. If theedge 129 does not clear all of the fingers, the longer uncleared fingerswill be held depressed by edge 129. In general, only the longest of thefingers which is free of edge 129 will bear against margin 128. With oneor more of the spring fingers pressing against the margin, and the outerflange 112 pressing against one of the door surfaces, the frame memberis locked into place. If the dimensions of the frame and clip areprecisely controlled, the inner free edge 129 should be clear of allthree fingers 172, 174, 176 such that all the fingers press against themargin 128. Glazing tape or putty 134, the glazing 132, and more glazingtape or putty 134 are then positioned in the cutout and held in placewhile the second frame member 106 or 108 is installed. Since the framemembers 106 and 108 are identical, the remaining frame member can beinstalled in a similar manner. If the inner free edge 129 should fail toclear one or more of the fingers, the uncleared fingers will remainpressed against a surface 190 of the cutout when the frame members arein their final mounted positions, as shown by fingers 176 in FIG. 5.Preferably, the fingers 172 are sufficiently short to accommodate thegreatest amount of anticipated cumulative tolerance so that at least thefingers 172 rest against the margin 128. Due to the flexibility of thefingers, a wide range of tolerances between the width of channel 184 andthe width of channel 188 can be accommodated. Thus, the presentinvention is adaptable to accumulated tolerance variations in the door,window pane, and glazing tape thicknesses, as well as variations inglazing space between the frames. A snug fit for the glazing is thusassured over a wide range of accumulated tolerances.

In general, the space between the margin 128 and the inside of firstpanel 118 is fixed during the forming of the frame member. The lengthsand associated tolerances of the fingers in the cooperating set ofspring fingers, together with this manufactured dimension generallydetermines where the edge 129 will fall relative to the various springfingers. In addition to these dimensions and tolerances, where edge 129of the second to be installed frame member will fall relative to theassociated set of fingers also depends on at least the associatedtolerances, and the nominal thickness of the glazing, the glazing putty,and the door. It is apparent that there is ample opportunity forsubstantial tolerance build up. Where the only dimensions and tolerancescontrolled by the maker of the clips and frames are those of theseitems, it is apparent that the objective of universal application mustbe aided by a design which is very forgiving of tolerance build up anddifferent nominal dimensions for the door, glazing and putty.

The vision frame assembly 100 (See FIG. 5) can also be installed inhollow doors, such as the hollow fire-rated door 200 shown in FIG. 11.The door 200 comprises a front skin 202 separated from a rear skin 204by a core material 206. The front and rear skins are typicallyconstructed of metal. A cutout 208 in the front and rear skins and corematerial receives the frame assembly 100. With the exception of themounting bracket 110, the frame assembly 100 is mounted in the cutout208 in a manner similar to the installation described above with respectto solid doors. Since the door 200 is hollow, there is no solid materialfor the barbs to sink into. Instead, the mounting leg 146 and barb 152form a first door skin receiving channel 158. Likewise, the mounting leg148 and barb 154 form a second door skin receiving channel 160. Thus,installation of the mounting bracket 110 is accomplished by positioningthe bracket in the cutout 208 such that the door skin receiving channelsare in alignment with a front cutout edge 210 and a rear cutout edge212. Since the mounting legs 146 and 148, the barbs 152 and 154, and thespring finger sets of the mounting bracket 110 are symmetrical about thelateral centerline 182, the mounting bracket can be installed witheither door skin receiving channel in alignment with either cutout edge210 or 212. Once the mounting bracket is positioned in the cutout, thebracket is moved toward the cutout edges until the edges are received inthe door skin receiving channels. The frame members, glazing, andglazing tape can then be installed as previously described. Thus, themounting bracket of the present invention is readily mountable withoutalteration to solid and hollow doors.

For purpose of strength, the outer edge of the panel 118 is generallyrolled under as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. This strengthens both theedge itself and the interengagement between the frame member and theclip. The lower edges of mounting legs 146 and 148 engage with therolled lower edge of the panel 118. If desired, the outer free edges ofthe panel 118 can be shaped so that they receive and capture the edgesof the mounting legs 146 and 148 in a channel formed between the rolledup outer free edge and the inner wall of the panel 118.

What has been described are preferred embodiments in which modificationsand changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe accompanying claims. Obviously, many modifications and variations ofthe present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Itis therefore to be understood that, within the scope and proper coverageof the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snap lock vision frame assembly having agenerally closed perimeter and comprising:a resilient latching clipcomponent including a pair of mounting members disposed on opposed edgesof a plate portion, said plate portion having a mid-region generallyintermediate said opposed edges, at least two generally spaced apartopposed sets of elongated spring finger elements depending respectivelyfrom generally adjacent said opposed edges and projecting angularlytowards said mid-region, each of said elongated spring finger elementsgenerally being resiliently mounted to the plate portion by one end andterminating in a free end remote from said one end, each said set ofelongated spring finger elements including at least two elongated springfinger elements of differing lengths, the free ends of the elongatedspring finger elements in the respective opposed sets of elongatedspring finger elements being spaced apart in said mid-region to definetherebetween a flange receiving channel, said free ends definingrespective sides of said flange receiving channel; and first and secondframe members, each said frame member having an outer flange and aninner flange, said outer flange extending between an outer free edge anda captive edge, said captive edge being shared with said inner flange,said inner flange extending between said captive edge and an inner freeedge and including a step intermediate said captive and inner freeedges, said step extending generally away from said outer free edge,said inner and outer free edges being spaced apart by a fixed distance,said fixed distance being approximately equal to the distance between anopposed edge and the closest side of said flange receiving channel, saidflange receiving channel being wide enough to receive a margin of eachof said inner flanges adjacent said inner free edges, at least one ofsaid free ends from each of said sets of elongated spring fingers beingadapted to bear against the margin of an adjacent inner flange.
 2. Asnap lock vision frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said resilientlatching clip component is unitary.
 3. A snap lock vision frame assemblyof claim 1 wherein each of said first and second frame members isunitary.
 4. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim 1 including barbsdepending from said plate portion distal from said flange receivingchannel.
 5. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim 1 wherein each ofsaid mounting members comprises a leg spaced apart from a barb to definetherebetween a door skin receiving channel, said leg and barb dependingfrom said door skin receiving channel distal from said flange receivingchannel.
 6. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim 5 wherein a faceof the barb is oriented at least generally parallel with a face of theleg.
 7. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim 2 wherein saidresilient latching clip components are generally symmetrical around saidflange receiving channel.
 8. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim7 wherein said opposed sets of spring finger elements are generallysymmetrical around said flange receiving channel.
 9. A snap lock visionframe assembly of claim 2 wherein said opposed sets of spring fingerelements are generally symmetrical around said flange receiving channel.10. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the at leasttwo generally spaced apart opposed sets comprise four sets of elongatedspring finger elements.
 11. A snap lock vision frame assembly of claim10 wherein said opposed sets of spring finger elements are generallysymmetrical around said flange receiving channel.
 12. A snap lock visionframe assembly of claim 11 wherein said opposed sets of spring fingerelements are generally symmetrical around an axis that is generallyperpendicular to the direction of said flange receiving channel.
 13. Asnap lock vision frame assembly including a door having a cutout thereinwith a closed periphery, said assembly comprising:a plurality ofresilient latching clip components arrayed around said cutout, each ofsaid resilient latching clip components including a pair of mountingmembers disposed on opposed edges of a plate portion and engaged with anedge of said cutout, said plate portion having a mid-region generallyintermediate said opposed edges, at least two generally spaced apartopposed sets of elongated spring finger elements depending respectivelyfrom generally adjacent said opposed edges and projecting angularlytowards said mid-region, each of said elongated spring finger elementsgenerally being resiliently mounted to the plate portion by one end andterminating in a free end remote from said one end, each said set ofelongated spring finger elements including at least two elongated springfinger elements of differing lengths, the free ends of the elongatedspring finger elements in the respective opposed sets of elongatedspring finger elements being spaced apart in said mid-region to definetherebetween a flange receiving channel, said free ends definingrespective sides of said flange receiving channel; and first and secondframe members mounted in said cutout and engaged with said resilientlatching clip components, each said frame member having an outer flangeand an inner flange, said outer flange extending between an outer freeedge and a captive edge, said captive edge being shared with said innerflange, said inner flange extending between said captive edge and aninner free edge and including a step intermediate said captive and innerfree edges, said step extending generally away from said outer freeedge, the steps in said first and second frame members defining betweenthem the width of a glazing receiving pocket, said inner and outer freeedges being spaced apart by a fixed distance, said fixed distance beingapproximately equal to the distance between an opposed edge and theclosest side of said flange receiving channel, a margin of each of saidinner flanges adjacent said inner free edges generally being received inthe flange receiving channel of each of said resilient latching clipcomponents, at least one of said free ends from each of said sets ofelongated spring fingers generally bearing against the margin of anadjacent inner flange.
 14. A snap lock vision frame assembly having agenerally closed perimeter and comprising:a first frame member having afirst external face and a first glazing face, said first external faceextending generally between a first outer edge of the first externalface and a first edge of the first glazing face, said first glazing faceincluding a first panel extending between the first edge and a firststep, said first step extending away from said first outer edge, and afirst flange depending from said first step, said first flangeterminating in a first spring finger engaging edge; a second framemember having a second external face and a second glazing face, saidsecond external face extending generally between a second outer edge ofthe second external face and a second edge of the second glazing face,said second glazing face including a second panel extending between thesecond edge and a second step, said second step extending away from saidsecond outer edge, and a second flange depending from said second step,said second flange terminating in a second spring finger engaging edge,said first and second frame members being adapted to being mounted withsaid first and second flanges in opposing relationship and with saidfirst and second panels spaced apart and defining therebetween a glazereceiving nest; and a resilient latching clip component including a pairof mounting members disposed on opposed edges of a plate portion, saidplate portion having a mid-region intermediate said opposed edges, afirst set of elongated spring finger elements resiliently cantileveredfrom said plate portion generally adjacent a first of said opposed edgesand extending towards said mid-region at an acute angle, a second set ofelongated spring finger elements resiliently cantilevered from saidplate portion adjacent a second of said opposed edges and extendingtowards said mid-region at an acute angle, each of said sets ofelongated spring finger elements including at least two elongated springfinger elements of differing lengths, each of said elongated springfinger elements having a free end adjacent said mid-region and spacedfrom said plate portion by a predetermined distance, the free ends ofthe elongated spring finger elements in the respective first and secondsets of elongated spring finger elements defining therebetween achannel, said first and second spring finger engaging edges beingadapted for reception in said channel with at least one of saidelongated spring finger elements in each of said sets of elongatedspring finger elements bearing on an adjacent face of one of said firstand second flanges.